Vehicle Component and Method for Making a Vehicle Component

ABSTRACT

A process for providing a cushioned region ( 14 ) on a substrate ( 12 ) is disclosed. The substrate ( 12 ) is at least partially covered by a sheet ( 18 ) of preferably textured material. A skin ( 22 ) is coupled to the substrate ( 12 ) and a compressible material ( 24 ) (such as foam) is injected between the sheet ( 22 ) and skin ( 24 ). The sheet ( 18 ) is intended to promote adhesion to the compressible material ( 24 ) (e.g., mechanical and/or chemical joining or bonding). If portions of the coversheet ( 18 ) are exposed on a visible surface, the coversheet may also be configured to provide a decorative or ornamental appearances.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/662,568, filed on Mar. 17, 2005, titled“VEHICLE COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING A VEHICLE COMPONENT” (AttorneyDocket No. 026032-4876) which is hereby incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of providingcushioned regions to a substrate for use in a vehicle, such as a vehiclepanel.

It is known to foam in place and to partially foam in place vehicle trimpanels. Such known panels include a substrate, a skin coupled to thesubstrate, and a foam injected between the substrate and skin. However,obtaining a bond between the substrate (typically plastic) and the foamsometimes requires treating the surface of the substrate (e.g., flame,primer, or abrading), to promote adhesion between the substrate andfoam. Such treatments cost materials and labor.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to couple a sheet to the substratebase to provide a desired ornamental appearance on one portion of thepanel and provide a surface that promotes adhesion to the foam at thecushioned region. It would also be advantageous to couple the sheet tothe substrate so that the sheet provides at least a portion of thevisible surface (e.g., the “A” surface or side). To provide aninexpensive, reliable, and widely adaptable component for a vehicleinterior that avoids the above-referenced and other problems wouldrepresent a significant advance in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a process for providing a cushionedregion on a substrate. The substrate comprises a base that is covered bya sheet of material. The sheet of material may be coupled to thesubstrate base by molding the substrate against the sheet of material. Askin is coupled to the substrate and a filler material such as foam isinjected between the substrate and skin. The coversheet is intended topromote adhesion to the filler material (e.g., mechanical and/orchemical joining or bonding). If portions of the coversheet are exposedon the “A” surface, the coversheet may also be configured to provide adecorative or ornamental appearance.

The present invention also relates to a method of making a cushionedregion on a substrate. The method comprises coupling a sheet to at leasta portion of the substrate; coupling a cover layer to the substrate; andintroducing a compressible material between the sheet and the coverlayer.

The present invention further relates to a panel comprising a substrate;a sheet coupled to the substrate; a cover layer coupled to thesubstrate; and a compressible material disposed between at least aportion of the textured layer and at least a portion of the cover layer.

Various arrangements of the substrate and cushioned region may be used.For example, the coversheet may cover the entire side or face of thesubstrate base (e.g., by a mold behind process) and the cushioned regionis disposed over a portion of the substrate (e.g., by a partial foam inplace or PFIP process). Alternatively, the coversheet may cover anentire side or face of the substrate (e.g., by a mold behind process)and the cushioned region is disposed over the entire substrate (e.g., bya foam in place or FIP process) such that the filler material isenclosed by the skin and by the coversheet coupled to the substrate.Alternatively, the coversheet covers a local area or a side or face ofthe substrate (e.g., by a partial mold behind or PMB process) and thecushioned region is disposed over a portion of the substrate local area(e.g., by a partial foam in place or PFIP process). Alternatively, thecoversheet covers a local area of a side or face of the substrate (e.g.,by a partial mold behind or PMB process) and the cushioned region isdisposed over the entire local areas of the sheet/substrate laminate.

The present invention further relates to various features andcombinations of features shown and described in the disclosedembodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of thedisclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in thefollowing specification or will become apparent to those skilled in theart after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemedto fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fallwithin the scope of the claims which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle door trim panel having acushioned region coupled to a substrate base covered by a sheet ofmaterial.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle door trim panel (the “A” surface)having a cushioned region coupled to a substrate base covered by a sheetof material along with sections molded by separate injections of plasticresin.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the cushioned region,coversheet, and multiple plastic injected substrate of FIG. 2 substrate.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the panel (the “B” surface) of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the panel of FIG. 4 with an aperture forinjecting a filler material between the skin and substrate.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 2 before the coversheet andskin are coupled to the substrate base.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the panel of FIG. 6 after the coversheet hasbeen coupled to the substrate base.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the coversheet coupled to the substratebase of FIG. 7, illustrating the coversheet in the recesses of thesubstrate base.

FIGS. 9-12 are schematic section views of exemplary embodiments ofvehicle interior components.

FIG. 13 is a section view of a substrate secured against a skin byclosed mold sections.

FIG. 14 is a section view of a substrate secured against a skin by avacuum pressure.

FIGS. 15-17 show schematic views of a process for molding amulti-injection substrate base with a coversheet.

FIG. 18 shows the multi-injected substrate made from the process shownin FIGS. 15-17 before undergoing a foam-in-place or partialfoam-in-place process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before proceeding to the description of a number of exemplaryembodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thefollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention iscapable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out invarious ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein is for purpose of description and should notbe regarded as limiting.

In general, the component or molded article described in this disclosureis a molded article having one or more localized or discrete areas orportions of softness or cushioning. In one embodiment, the moldedarticle is configured as a trim panel for use in a vehicle (e.g.,automobiles such as cars, trucks, buses, and the like; airplanes, boats,etc.). Providing a trim panel with one or more localized or discreteareas or portions of softness or cushioning enables the trim panel toselectively include areas of softness in areas that are likely to beinterfaced by a passenger or other individual without the need toprovide cushioning to the entire trim panel. In this manner, the areasof cushioning may be optimized based on the typical passengerexperience. One advantageous feature of such a trim panel is thatmaterials and manufacturing costs may be reduced, and the relativelyinefficient practice of providing cushioning in areas that are notgenerally contacted by a passenger may be eliminated.

The molded article described in this disclosure may be employed in avariety of applications, and is generally applicable with anyapplication wherein it would be beneficial to provide a molded articlehaving one or more localized or discrete areas or portions of softnessor cushioning. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the molded articleis a trim panel for use in a vehicle. Such trim panels are particularlysuitable for use in an interior passenger compartment of a vehicle, andmay find utility in the form of door panels, dashboards, instrumentpanels, consoles, sidewall trim, overhead liners, visors, or othervehicle components or portions thereof. While the disclosed embodimentsmay be described as a vehicle door trim panel, the features of thedisclosed embodiments are equally applicable with other applicationssuch as other panels, molded articles and components and other office,home, or educational, industrial, commercial, or consumer products whichemploy localized areas or regions of softness.

Proceeding now to descriptions of the preferred and exemplaryembodiments, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a door panel 10 including amember or element in the form of a relatively rigid substrate, base, orstratum (referred to herein as a substrate 12), and a localized ordiscrete areas of softness or cushioning in areas or portions (shown asa relatively “padded” or “compressible” or cushioned layer or region 14)that may be contacted by a passenger or other individual. For example,the door panel 10 includes cushioned regions 14 on an armrest, adjacenta window sill, or the like, without providing cushioning in the entiredoor panel. Such a configuration enables areas that are not typicallycontacted by a passenger, shown as one or more portions, to be made of arelatively hard plastic or other material. For descriptions purposes,only a door panel will be referred to, but it is understood by a personhaving ordinary skill in the art that the description also applies toother applications.

The substrate 12 includes a base 16 (e.g., preferably a plastic panel orsheet) and a sheet 18 of material (e.g., coversheet, coverstock,flexible member, skin, sheet, foil, etc.) coupled to the base 16 (e.g.,to form a laminate). Preferably, the sheet 18 is coupled to the base 16in a mold behind (MB) or a partial mold behind (PMB) operation whereinmolten resin that forms the base is flowed against the sheet 18 (e.g.,by placing the sheet in a mold and injecting the resin) and asillustrated in FIG. 18. In a mold behind process, the sheet entirelycovers a major surface of the base 16 (e.g., substantially an entireside). In a partial mold behind process, the sheet 18 partially covers amajor surface of the base 16 (e.g., a local area). In a preferredpartial mold behind process, edges of the sheet are embedded into theplastic by projections in one mold section pushing the edges intorecesses in an opposing mold section. Alternatively, the sheet may becoupled to the base by a variety of processes including adhesive, heatstaking, welding (ultrasonic, heat, etc.), fasteners (screw, staple,pin, etc.) or the like. Referring to FIGS. 4-12, the base 16 includes arecess 20 (e.g., groove, ditch, etc.) to receive portions of thecoversheet and/or the skin (e.g., to disguise or hide the boundary orinterface between these components).

According to a preferred embodiment, the material of sheet 18 and/or thetexture of its surface 19 are selected to promote adhesion to the fillermaterial (e.g., mechanical and/or chemical joining or bonding). Forexample, surface 19 of sheet 18 includes a texture (e.g., fibers, knap,hairs, voids, recesses, pits, etc.) that allow the foaming material tobond mechanically and/or chemically (e.g., fusion, welding, etc.) as itexpands and/or cures. The sheet 18 is intended to have a variety ofpurposes, including providing a surface that may be touched by a vehicleoccupant (e.g. texture, softness, etc.), the coversheet 18 may also beused to provide a decorative elements or ornamental appearances such ascolors, textures, patterns (e.g., images, indicia, text, etc.), orcombinations thereof that are formed, added, provided on, or otherwisedisposed on the side or surface of the sheet that ultimately at leastpartially faces the vehicle interior (e.g., the visible surface or the“A-surface”).

The cushioned region 14 generally includes an outer layer (shown as acover layer or skin 22) and a compressible or filler material 24 (see,e.g., filler material) provided intermediate or between the skin and thesubstrate. An exterior surface of the trim panel (e.g., the portionvisible from a passenger compartment, which is typically be referred toas the “A” surface or side, etc.) may be provided by the substrate 12,the coversheet 18, and/or the skin 22 (or portions of these).

According to a preferred embodiment, the skin 22 is provided on thesubstrate 12 in such a manner that a space or void (e.g., a cavity orgap) is formed intermediate or between at least a portion of the skin 22and the substrate 12 (i.e., the coversheet 18 portion of the substrate12). According to one exemplary embodiment, substantially all of theskin 22 away from the boundary 26 (e.g., interface, border, etc.)between the substrate 12 and the skin 22 is separated from the substrateby a space or void (e.g., to form a cavity). According to anotherexemplary embodiment, portions of the skin 22 may be provided in directcontact with the substrate 12, such that one or more spaces or voids areprovided between the skin and the substrate in one or more particularregions. The particular design chosen may depend on any of a variety offactors, including the desired look and feel of the outer surface of thepanel, materials costs, ease of manufacturing, etc.

A material (e.g., the compressible or the filler material 24) isprovided or introduced (e.g., injected under pressure, gravity, etc.)into the cavity between the substrate 12 and the skin 22 to act as afiller. It is intended that such material acts as a relatively soft orcushioning material to provide the cushioned region with at least aportion of its relatively soft or cushioned characteristic. The fillermaterial 24 may be provided into the cavity in liquid form and issubsequently expanded to fill the cavity. For example, where a foammaterial 24 is provided as a filler material, the foam reacts to expandand form a cellular structure within the cavity. As the filler material24 solidifies (e.g., expands, cures, etc.), the filler material 24 bondsto the sheet 18 of the substrate 12 (chemically and/or mechanically).The sheet 18 may be provided with a variety of materials or texturesthat promotes bonding with the compressible material 24.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method for introducing thefiller material 24 into the cavity between the substrate 12 and the skin22 includes inserting or providing the substrate or a portion thereof ina mold or other tooling such as a foam-in-place (FIP) orpartial-foam-in-place (PFIP) tool having a clamshell configuration. Thesubstrate 12 is provided in a mold 28 such that the “A” side or exteriorsurface portion faces outward (i.e., the rear portion of the substrateis in contact with the mold walls).

The skin 22 is secured against or coupled to the substrate 12 in one ormore locations preferably to provide a seal that contains the foam as itexpands. The coupling may be accomplished by way of a mechanicalinterconnection (e.g., a friction or interference fit) or by othermechanisms. According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13, theskin is secured against the substrate by a pressure or force from themold sections closing on the substrate and skin (e.g., compression,squeezing, etc.). For example, the method may include placing the skinin one of the mold sections, placing the substrate in the mold sectionover the skin, and closing the mold. The skin and/or the substrate mayinclude features configured to couple at least a portion of skin to thesubstrate. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 the skin 22 may be coupledto the substrate by inserting the peripheral edges of the skin formedinto protrusions 30 into openings such as a recess 32 (e.g., channels orgrooves) formed in the substrate to mechanically couple the skin 22 tothe substrate 12. In one example, the protrusion that extendssubstantially entirely about the periphery of the skin and the substrateincludes the channel that extends substantially entirely about theperiphery of the area over which the skin is provided. The protrusion ispressed or positioned into the channel to form a seal aboutsubstantially the entire periphery of the skin to form a seal. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, one or both of the protrusion and thechannel may extend only partially about their periphery to provide localsealing of the skin to the substrate (e.g., the skin may include aplurality of protrusions that are provided intermittently about theperiphery of the skin). Various sizes, shapes, and configurations may beused for the protrusion and the channel to couple the skin to thesubstrate. According to other alternative embodiments, a vacuum may bedrawn to secure the skin to the substrate in addition to or in place ofthe mechanical coupling (e.g., utilizing one or more vacuum apertures 34formed in the substrate). In such an embodiment as shown in FIG. 14, theskin 22 is held in place by application of a vacuum that removes the airbetween the protrusions and the walls of the opening. A vacuum box 36may be used to draw the vacuum, and may have a size sufficient to allowfor overflow of filler material into vacuum box during manufacturing.Alternatively, one or more apertures 34 provided in the substrate forallowing the use of a vacuum may be provided in other locations in thesubstrate (i.e., instead of directly proximate or adjacent to aprotrusion provided on the skin. According to yet another exemplaryembodiment, both mechanical fastening features (e.g., interference fitprotrusions(s) and channel(s)) and vacuum coupling features may beprovided. According to such an embodiment, the skin includes one or moreprotrusions that fit into one or more openings to mechanically securethe skin to the substrate, and the substrate also includes one or moreapertures to allow suction by a vacuum to secure the skin to thesubstrate. In any of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in theFIGURES (or in other exemplary embodiments), the protrusion 30 mayprovide a mechanical coupling in addition to the seal provided by theuse of a vacuum or may act only as a guide to provide proper location ofthe skin onto the substrate. According to an alternative embodiment, theskin is coupled to the substrate by a fastener (e.g., screw, staple,pin, etc.).

Once the mold or tooling is closed and, the skin 22 is secured to thesubstrate 12, foam or another soft or cushioning filler material 24 isintroduced (e.g., by injection, extrusion, gravity, etc.) in one or morecavities formed between or intermediate the skin 22 and the substrate12. As the filler material 24 is injected into the space or cavity(e.g., and expanded), the filler material preferably couples to thesheet (e.g., mechanically and/or chemically). As such, the sheetpromotes the bond (e.g., adhesion) between the sheet and the fillermaterial. One or more fill tubes 38 or other devices are coupled to anaperture 40 formed in the substrate that provides an entry point intothe one or more cavities provided between the skin and substrate. Thefiller material 24 does not escape from the cavity between the substrateskin or into the vacuum box 36 through the apertures 34 because of theseal between the skin and the substrate (e.g., by way of the vacuumand/or mechanical coupling mechanisms). Various other configurations forthe engagement between the substrate and the file tube may also beutilized according to various other exemplary embodiments. The numbers,size, shape, and configuration of apertures for coupling to the filltube (or for allowing vacuum suction) may vary according to otherexemplary embodiments. For example, more than one fill tube 38 may becoupled to the substrate in various locations, and more than oneaperture may be provided for coupling to such fill tubes. The variousfeatures of the apertures may be optimized according to variousconsiderations, including manufacturability, cost, and otherconsiderations. One or more vent holes may also be provided in thesubstrate to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide or other gasaccumulating within the component during the filling operation.

FIG. 9-12 show various embodiments for the substrate 12, sheet 18, skin22, foam component (filler material 24). According to a first exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 9, the sheet 18 covers an entire side or faceof the substrate (e.g., by a mold behind process) and the cushionedregion 14 is disposed over a portion of the sheet/substrate laminate(e.g., by a partial foam in place or PFIP process).

According to a second exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the sheet18 covers an entire side or face of the substrate 12 (e.g., by a moldbehind process) and the cushioned region 14 is disposed over the entiresheet/substrate laminate (e.g., by a foam in place or FIP process) suchthat the filler material 24 is enclosed by the skin 22 and by the sheet18 coupled to the substrate 12.

According to a third exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the sheet 18covers a local area or a side or face of the substrate 12 (e.g., by apartial mold behind or PMB process) and the cushioned region 14 isdisposed over a portion of the sheet/substrate local area laminate(e.g., by a partial foam in place or PFIP process).

According to a fourth exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the sheet18 covers a local area of a side or face of the substrate 12 (e.g., by apartial mold behind or PMB process) and the cushioned region 14 isdisposed over the entire local areas of the sheet/substrate laminate.

The component comprising the skin 22, substrate 12, and foam 24 is thenremoved from the mold or tooling. The skin 22 is coupled to thesubstrate 12 by mechanical means (e.g., protrusion and opening coupling)and/or by the interaction and/or bonding between the filler material 24and the coversheet 18 on the substrate 12. For example, a bond may beformed between the sheet 18 and foam 24 provided in a cavity. Accordingto an alternative embodiment, an adhesive may be provided on one or bothof the substrate 12 and coversheet 18 and the skin 22 on the interior ofthe cavity to bond the foam thereto.

Various process steps may also be utilized in addition to or in place ofthose described above. For example, it may be necessary to seal or closeone or more apertures provided in the substrate subsequent to thefilling operation (e.g., to prevent foam or filler material fromescaping). In another example, the mold may be rotated after insertingthe skin and substrate into the mold and closing the mold prior tofilling the cavity or cavities with filler material.

The methods of providing localized areas or regions of softness orcushioning in a manner described herein may be utilized to providemolded articles having a wide variety of configurations. For example,the door panel may be provided with one or more portions (e.g., areas,regions, islands, etc.) of hard plastic (e.g., bezels, accents,appliqués, pull cups, etc.). In another example, the door panel may beformed with complex geometries. In yet another example, the door panelmay include proud (e.g., raised) or recessed regions of cushioning forenhanced aesthetics.

According to a preferred embodiment, the substrate may be made of anysuitable material, including any of a variety of metals (e.g., aluminum,magnesium, metal alloys, etc.) or polymers (e.g., polypropylene,polyethylene, copolymers, etc.). Any of a variety of materials can beused, including polymers such as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers,and the like. For example, any variety of thermoplastic resins such aspolypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (“ABS”), polycarbonate, vinyl, polyester,polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic elastomerpolyolefin (TPO), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), polyvinyl chloride(PVC), nylon, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymerplastics, plastics with special additives, filled plastics, or the likemay be used. Also, any of a variety of thermoset resin such asphenolics, thermosetting polyester, silicone, polyurethane elastomers,or the like may be used. Further, any of a variety of elastomer resinssuch as rubber, butyl, synthetic elastomer (SBR), or the like may beused.

The substrate may be formed in any of a wide variety of shapes, sizes,and configurations, and may include a variety of other features notshown in the FIGURES (e.g., apertures for door locks and handles,molded-in designs, etc.). The substrate may be a stand-alone componentor may be a component in a larger assembly (e.g., the substrate may bean entire door panel or may be a portion thereof, etc.).

According to one embodiment, the substrate is formed of a singlematerial as a single injection. In another embodiment, the substrate maybe formed by a process that allows for multiple materials to beallocated at different portions of the substrate. According to anexemplary embodiment, the process for making such a substrate includesmultiple injections into a mold that is reconfigured during the moldingoperation. It is important to note that the terms “multi-color,”“multi-material,” “multiple colors,” “multi-shot,” and “different”polymers (or “plastics,” “polymeric materials,” “polymeric resins” andthe like) as used herein are intended to be broad terms and not terms oflimitation. The particular materials used to construct the exemplaryembodiments are also illustrative. The resins may be different colors ofthe same polymer, different polymers that have the same color, differentpolymers that have different colors, and the like. There may be one,two, three, or more polymers that are co-molded or sequentially molded.The molding operation is preferably injection molding; but any of avariety of molding operations may be used such as reaction injectionmolding (RIM), transfer molding or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, to produce a one-piece,multi-color/multi-material trim panel (such as shown in FIGS. 2-4, 6, 7,and 18), the process includes providing a core 42, a cavity 44, and amold member configured to be moved or retracted (referred to herein as aretractor 46). A first “shot” of polymeric resin material 48(representative of a first portion of the trim panel 10) is constrainedwithin the mold corresponding to a particular region on the trim panelby a first cavity defined by the retractor 46, core 42, and cavity 44.Once the first cavity is filled with polymeric resin, the retractor 46is displaced (preferably by approximately the thickness of the part) toprovide a second cavity 50 defined by the displaced retractor 46, cavity44, core 42, and the first polymeric resin 48. The second “shot” ofpolymeric material 52 (representative of a second portion of the trimpanel) then fills the second cavity 50 with polymeric resin that flowsto and bonds with the first material 48 along the boundary.

The sheet coupled to the substrate is preferably made from textile(woven, non-woven, knit, etc.), but can be made from any of a variety ofmaterials and compositions including fabric, cloth, natural material(e.g., leather, etc.), polymer (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer polyolefin(TPO), vinyl, or materials formed by reaction injection molding (RIM),etc.), elastomer, or the like or combinations thereof; and may havemultiple layers (e.g., outer, inner, scrim, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the skin is made of a relativelysoft or flexible material comprising a polymeric material (e.g.,polyurethane, polyvinylchloride (PVC), a thermoplastic olefin (TPO),etc.). According to other exemplary embodiments, the skin may be made ofother materials, including woven or non-woven textiles such as cloth,fabric leather, composite materials, layered materials (e.g., a layer ofleather applied above a polymeric material layer), etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the skin is manufactured orproduced utilizing a slush molding process. In a slush molding process,a thermoplastic material in a liquid or powdered form is introduced intoa temperature-controlled mold to form a viscous skin adjacent to themold walls. Once the skin is formed, the excess material is removed fromthe mold and the skin is allowed to cure and cool, after which the skinis removed from the mold. One advantage of utilizing a slush moldingprocess is that it is relatively inexpensive and efficient in producingrelatively complex skin geometries.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the skin is manufactured orproduced utilizing a vacuum forming process. In a vacuum moldingprocess, a pre-cut or formed sheet of polymeric material is provided ina mold and heated to soften the material. A vacuum is applied to themold, which draws the softened polymeric material toward the walls ofthe mold. The polymeric material then cools and maintains the shapedefined by the mold walls.

According to other exemplary embodiments, the skin may be manufacturedaccording to various other methods. For example, the skin may be formedin an injection molding process, reaction injection molding (RIM)process, an extrusion process, a casting process (e.g., gravitycasting), slush molded, vacuum molded, sprayed or brushed (e.g.,urethane skins), or any other suitable process for forming a polymericskin.

According to a preferred embodiment, the filler material is a polymericmaterial such as a foam material (e.g., a urethane foam), an elastomer,rubber, butyl, or the like, or combination thereof.

It should be noted that according to various exemplary embodiments, allor a part of the substrate may have a cushioned or padded portionprovided adjacent thereto. For example, according to an exemplaryembodiment, a skin is applied adjacent a substrate, and portions of theskin may be in direct contact with the substrate, while other portionsof the skin may be separated from the substrate by a filler material. Inthis manner, localized regions of cushioning may be provided whileretaining the look and feel of the skin even in those regions notprovided with cushioning.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the vehicle components as shown in the preferred andother exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a fewembodiments of the present invention have been described in detail inthis disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements,materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing fromthe novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in theclaims. For example, any of a variety of sheets with any of a variety of“textures” or bondable surfaces may be used to promote bonding(mechanical coupling) between the foam and the substrate. Accordingly,all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthe present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order orsequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequencedaccording to alternative embodiments. In the claims, anymeans-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures describedherein as performing the recited function and not only structuralequivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions,modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention as expressed in the appended claims.

1. A method of making a cushioned region on a substrate comprising:coupling a sheet to at least a portion of a base to form the substrate;coupling a cover layer to the substrate; and introducing a compressiblematerial between the sheet and the cover layer.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the step of coupling the cover layer to the substrate comprisesproviding a cavity between the sheet and the cover layer and the step ofintroducing the compressible material comprises injecting a foammaterial and expanding the foam material.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein the step of coupling the sheet to the base comprises molding thebase against the sheet.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofcoupling the sheet to the base comprises applying an adhesive to one ofthe base and the sheet.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofcoupling the sheet to the base comprises heat staking the sheet to thebase.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of coupling the sheet tothe base comprises welding the sheet to the base.
 7. The method of claim1 wherein the step of coupling the sheet to the base comprises using oneor more mechanical fasteners to attach the sheet to the base.
 8. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the step of coupling thecompressible layer to a textured surface of the sheet.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 wherein the compressible material comprises a foam material. 10.The method of claim 9 wherein the foam material is coupled to the sheetwith a mechanical bond as the foam material cures.
 11. The method ofclaim 9 wherein the foam material is coupled to the sheet with achemical bond.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein the cover layer and thefoam material provide the cushioned region of an armrest on a vehicletrim panel.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of coupling thecover layer to the substrate comprises retaining the cover layer by atleast one of mold sections, vacuum pressure, fasteners, or interferencefittings.
 14. A panel comprising: a base; a sheet coupled to the base toform a substrate; a cover layer coupled to the substrate; and acompressible material disposed between at least a portion of the sheetand at least a portion of the cover layer; wherein the sheet comprises atextured surface so that the compressible material mechanically bonds tothe textured surface of the sheet.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The panel of claim14 wherein the sheet comprises one of a textile, fabric, cloth, leather,thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof.
 17. The panel of claim14 wherein the compressible material comprises at least one of a foammaterial, elastomer, rubber, butyl, or combinations thereof.
 18. Thepanel of claim 14 wherein the panel is a vehicle trim panel.
 19. Thepanel of claim 18 wherein the vehicle trim panel is one of a door trimpanel, an instrument panel, a visor, or a headliner.
 20. The panel ofclaim 14 wherein perimeter portions of the cover layer are retained in arecess formed in the substrate.
 21. The panel of claim 20 whereinperimeter portions of the sheet are retained in a recess formed in thebase.
 22. The panel of claim 14 wherein an “A” surface of the panel isprovided by at least a portion of the base and at least a portion of thecover layer.
 23. The panel of claim 14 wherein an “A” surface of thepanel is provided by at least a portion of the base, a portion of thesheet, and at least a portion of the cover layer.
 24. A method offorming a panel comprising: providing a sheet having a textured surface;injection molding a base against a surface of the sheet opposite thetextured surface; coupling a cover layer to at least one of the sheetand the base; and introducing a compressible material between at least aportion of the cover layer and at least a portion of the sheet.